crossed the boundary, and might have been prevented
from doing so, had the United States officials at Buffalo exercised such
due vigilance as Gen. Meade did in the Campo Bello affair.

CHAPTER IV.

THE LANDING IN CANADA--PRELIMINARY OPERATIONS OF THE FENIAN FORCES NEAR
FORT ERIE--ADVANCE INTO THE INTERIOR.

About half-past three o'clock on the morning of June 1st the peaceful
shores of Canada were reached by the invaders. The embarkation was made
at Pratt's Iron Furnace Dock on the American side, and the landing took
place at what was then known as the Lower Ferry Dock, about a mile
below the village of Fort Erie. Just as the boats struck the shore, the
color-bearers of Col. Owen Starr's 17th Kentucky Regiment sprang on to
Canadian soil and unfurled their Irish flags amid terrific cheering by
the Fenian troops. This was the first intimation that the people of the
quiet vicinity received that an invasion had actually occurred, and it
was a terrible awakening from peaceful slumber to most of them. There
were no Canadian troops whatever within 25 miles of Fort Erie, and the
invaders had it all their own way. The war material was quickly unloaded
from the canal boats, and Gen. O'Neil at once began making dispositions
of his force to hold his ground. The total number of troops that came
over by the first boats was stated to be 1,340, with 2,500 stand of
arms. This force was rapidly augmented during the day by reinforcements,
so that by evening the strength of the Fenian army in Canada amounted to
about 2,000 men.

After posting guards and throwing out pickets in various directions,
Gen. O'Neil marched up to the village of Fort Erie with the main portion
of his brigade, which he occupied without resistance. He then made
requisition on the village authorities for meals for his men. He stated
that he would do no personal injury to private citizens, but wanted
food and horses, and these he proposed to take forcibly if they were not
furnished willingly. Dr. Kempson, the Reeve of the village, in order to
protect the citizens and prevent pillage, at once called a meeting of
the Municipal Council, who decided to provide the food demanded. In some
cases Fenian bonds were offered in payment for articles, but were not
acceptable to the Canadian people, and were courteously and firmly
refused.

Immediately after breakfast had been served and rations distributed,
Gen. O'Neil made details of troops for various purposes. Guards